The three of them weighed slightly over a kg of sugar when they were born at 23 weeks. Contrary to all doctors’ predictions, they were able to live. The living room window sill is attacked by two 2-year-olds, and the third toddler blows everything in his way with his trike. A familiar image for all parents. However, their mother is not upset with their misbehavior. It’s a true marvel that they can play together.
Emma Seaton and her husband Ray, who are the parents of their son Billy, have long desired a sibling. When Emma finally succeeded in becoming pregnant, Billy had already turned nine years old. “At 12 weeks, the doctor told us we were having twins after an ultrasound. Naturally, we were taken aback because neither Ray nor I had any family history of many pregnancies. Wait! the doctor exclaimed a minute later. A third child is present! “We were in utter disbelief,” Emma explains.
According to scientists, there is a one-in-a-million probability of having triplets. Such pregnancies are almost usually fraught with danger. Emma battled constant weariness and nauseousness. She was scheduled to undergo a cesarean section at the end of December, only a few weeks before her due date.
Emma, however, began having contractions much earlier. She was at work at the end of August. The course only lasted 22 weeks, 6 days. “This can’t be,” I said. But the agony and frequency of the contractions increased. Her greatest worries came true in the hospital when Emma gave birth.
We had a contentious discussion with the doctors. They did not make any projections at this time. We were horrified and believed we had lost our children, the woman claims. The pregnancy was extended by doctors for an additional two days. Emma’s period started on August 31, 2014. Alfie was born at three o’clock in the afternoon and weighed about 420 grams.
I can still picture his small, transparent feet. They appeared to be toys! Emma reflects. She was never given the chance to give the child a hug because Alfie was taken straight to intensive care and hooked up to a ventilator. We were both powerless. Ray showed me images of Alfie, who appeared small and was encircled by numerous wires and tubes.
Dylan (460 grams) and Connor (430 grams) were born the following day, with a 90-minute difference. They were also taken away from their mother right away. “All we could do was wait and observe them. They were in an incubator with medical equipment all around them. We simply observed and advised them to be strong,” explains Emma.
Alfie required surgery two weeks after birth after losing one of his lungs. All three received a second procedure at the age of five weeks, which allowed for their removal from the ventilator. The middle son, Connor, was then available for Emma and Ray to pick up for the first time.
“It was a wonderful feeling. Due of his fragility, we were both thrilled and a little afraid.
They were allowed to embrace Alfie and Dylan after a few more days had passed. Despite having several health issues, Emma and Ray started to observe that their kids were getting stronger and stronger with time. Since all three of them had visual issues, laser eye surgery was required to prevent them from going blind.
Alfie, Connor, and Dylan didn’t come home until February 2015, six months after their birth.
“I hardly recall the initial weeks. The feedings and diaper changes went on forever. Leaving the house was extremely difficult because two out of the three infants still need oxygen, according to Emma.
She can now accept that the boys, who are now two years old, are still alive, healthy, and content. The main head and mastermind of this organization is Connor, Dylan is the youngest but the mischievousest, and Alfie is the middle child among his brothers. Recently, it was revealed that all three of them were the smallest triplets ever to survive and made it into the Guinness Book of Records. At home, certificates proving Emma and Ray’s record will hang over the fireplace.
What about Billy, then? He does a fantastic job of playing the part of an older brother, according to Emma: “At home, he helped change diapers and feed them. He also visited them when they were in the hospital and read books to them aloud. In this two years, Billy has significantly grown up. He appreciates the idea that we now have a large family, just like the rest of us.
And the greatest reward for them is this.